Max & Chloe Medium Monogram Necklace

So a while ago, I let on that I was officially obsessed with monograms, especially the Max & Chloe Monogram Necklace. I had seen it on a few bloggers and loved that it was not only a piece with a design that’s unique to you, but also that it’s a very delicate, feminine necklace that can be a signature piece you wear daily. I finally pulled the trigger and ordered mine.

Max & Chloe Monogram Necklace

I got the Medium size monogram, as it seemed like the perfect size not to be “too” statement-y and therefore too large to wear daily, and it wasn’t so small that it was barely noticeable. I also debated on what length necklace to get. I wanted it to fall at the perfect place, right below my collarbones. Nothing more awkward than a necklace that’s too short or one that’s too long that it no longer looks dainty.

Max & Chloe Monogram Necklace

I ended up getting the 20″ length, even though 16″ and 18″ were the same, lower price. I had seen various lengths on other people and they all fell at different places, so I worried if I made the right choice. I figured, better to be a little too long than too short.

Max & Chloe Monogram Necklace

Ultimately, I think it was the right choice. It looks right, but I think I could’ve gone 2 inches shorter to the 18″ and it would have been right below the collarbone instead of this far below it. I also worried a lot about my actual initials and whether they’d look good in a monogram of this style, since two of my three initials (RHT) have zero curves; I couldn’t imagine how they’d handle that and make it look round and pretty like all the other monograms I’ve seen. Luckily, they clearly know their craft and did a great job. Overall, I couldn’t have asked for a better monogram necklace, and this is definitely my new favorite necklace. The workmanship and customer service from Max & Chloe were all spot on. Get yours here from Max & Chloe for $105.

Madewell Mini Transport Crossbody Tote

Did you know the popular Madewell Transport Tote has a mini version? Wha? I may be the last person to know, but better late than never.

Madewell Mini Transport Crossbody Bag

Honestly after all that turmoil months ago trying to find the perfect Madewell Transport Tote (*cough* inconsistent quality control), it’s now one of my favorite bags. The leather is really amazing and sturdy, and I’m seeing it age quite beautifully before my eyes. One thing I don’t like about it, which is a quality true of all big tote bags, is that it’s rather large and not practical if all I want to carry out today are some essentials. Enter the Mini Transport Tote.

Madewell Mini Transport Crossbody Tote Bag

Not only is it the perfect size to carry out your essentials and plus any unexpected items (i.e. a cardigan in case it gets chilly, maybe an umbrella, etc.), it comes with a crossbody strap to make carrying the bag really effortless. It’s also just stinking cute.

Madewell Mini Transport Crossbody Tote Bag

If you haven’t gotten your hands on this yet, you can do so here at just $105 (on sale!!) from Shopbop.

Hand-Made Leather Totes From Lesser Known Brands

Like many other people, I’m really starting to appreciate the finer quality of bags made by lesser known leather companies. These are usually very small teams, often siblings or even just one guy, who have a real passion for crafting leather goods, with knowledge either passed from generation to generation or learned first hand from years of apprenticeship. They don’t do ads, they don’t have big budgets, nor do they have crazy fancy designs, but their bags are simple classics with quality that speak for themselves. Since these guys don’t have the resources to really market themselves, it may be hard to discover them, so here are some that I’ve found that I really love.

Billykirk Leather Tote

Billykirk Leather Tote

Started by brothers Chris and Kirk in LA back in 1999, these guys are still hand-crafting all of their bags. Their mission is to make bags that get better with age, using leather sourced from Pennsylvania-based Amish leather crafters.

Billykirk Leather Tote

Their leather has such a raw, vintage vibe to it. So much character in one bag, it makes me want to stare and pet this bag all day long. It’s easy to tell this is the kind of leather bag that will only get more beautiful with age. Get yours here for $320 from Eastdane.

Lotuff Working Tote

Lotuff Working Tote

Founded by brothers Joe and Rick Lotuff, Lotuff is a company rooted in New England. Taught by their father and grandfather to focus only on quality, the Lotuffs drive that motto home in their workshops. There is no quota for their craftsmen, who take as much time as needed to make the best bag they possibly can. If you love their bags, they do have multiple colors to choose from and they can be monogrammed. Get their classic Working Tote here.

J. W. Hulme Excursion Handbag

J. W. Hulme Excursion Handbag

J. W. Hulme is probably one of my favorite designer / leather companies. Their leather is thick and chewy, with natural veins and striations that just add character to their bags. Their colors are also super saturated and they use absolutely amazing classic colors. If I could choose to fill my closet with bags from only one company, I’d probably choose them. These are bags that will last a lifetime and will definitely age beautifully. I love their Excursion Tote in both the Saddle Heritage Leather and American Heritage Leather.

J. W. Hulme Excursion Handbag

I mean, look at that leather/color! Ahhh. I love it. I want every bag they make in this leather. If you also love it, you can get the Excursion handbag in American Heritage Leather here or in Saddle here. But wait…there’s more! Perhaps what they’re most famous for is their Legacy collection; these adorable crossbody bags also come in the same gorgeous leather and variety of colors, and they’re all TDF.

JW Hulme Legacy Bag

Isn’t that gorgeous? They come in a variety of sizes, including this adorable mini size. Explore the entire J. W. Hulme Legacy Collection here. If you’d also like just your classic tote, they produced one also for Brooks Brothers. The leather looks just as delicious on it.

JW Hulme North South Tote Bag

Get it here from Brooks Brothers.

Whipping Post Vintage Tote Bag

Whipping Post Vintage Tote

Ryan from the Whipping Post only makes the 3 classic bag styles — this tote, a messenger bag, and a duffle bag. The leather he uses has a beautiful vintagey character to it, and the color saturation is delicious. I love that he added little extra details to the classic tote bag, like the slightly darker bag handles and those golden studs on both sides.

Whipping Post Vintage Tote Bag

Practical and beautiful. Get it here for $175 from whippingpost.com. Don’t forget to check out the Whipping Post Messenger bag as well, which is actually what drew me to the brand to begin with.

Whipping Post Vintage Messenger Bag

There’re really no words needed. Just look at that picture. That leather. That color. I’m drooling already. I don’t care that it’s apparently meant for men; this is a stunning bag and I’d take it over my Mulberry Oak Alexa any day. When I head back to the US, this will be the first bag on my list. Get it here for $265.